Former prime minister Tony Abbott says there’s a possibility “this will all end in tears” but there’s also a chance the alliance will make One Nation a “more formidable force”.

He says Mr Latham shouldn’t be underestimated.

“I think you’ve got to take seriously someone who’s been leader of a major political party in our country,” Mr Abbott tells Ben Fordham.

“We can’t forget that back in 2004, for much of the year leading up the election, Mark Latham was ahead of the Howard Government in the polls.”

The Member for Warringah says his party can’t afford to become complacent.

“I think both political parties need to really be conscious of the fact that if others come and steal some of their territory, if others come up with policies that the public like, well, we’ve got to lift our game.”